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Components and Circuits For discussions about component types, alternatives and availability, circuit configurations and modifications etc. Discussions here should be of a general nature and not about specific sets. |
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28th Feb 2021, 12:29 pm | #1 |
Pentode
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: Waterlooville, Hampshire, UK.
Posts: 200
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Very stiff ALPS pot
I have a Quad 34 that the previous owner held in storage for over ten years. The Alps volume control (see pic) is very stiff, and I can't really see a 'way in' to clean or lubricate. Maybe I have to remove completely and strip down - if that is indeed possible. Any ideas?
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Pete BVWS Member |
28th Feb 2021, 12:45 pm | #2 |
Hexode
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Weymouth, Dorset, UK.
Posts: 475
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Re: Very stiff ALPS pot
I suspect the shaft in the bushing has dried out oil that is now hard.
I would warm the shaft up with a hair drier/hot air gun until warm to touch, add a drop of sewing machine oil (thin grade) to the point where the shaft exits the bushing. Hopefully that will allow the thin oil to seep into the hard oil and loosen it up. These pots can be disassembled with care. It is unusual for the wiper arms to get stiff. |
28th Feb 2021, 2:30 pm | #3 |
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Re: Very stiff ALPS pot
I have had a few of ALPS pots apart for making motorised balance controls*, they seem to use silicone lubricant. I would use a drop of silicone oil on the shaft and wait a week or so.
*in my mind one of the most important remotely adjustable controls on an amplifier. |
28th Feb 2021, 4:05 pm | #4 |
Pentode
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: Waterlooville, Hampshire, UK.
Posts: 200
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Re: Very stiff ALPS pot
Thanks gentlemen, as you both suggest the problem is old hard lubricant on the shaft/bushing area.
I warmed it up and added a minute amount of thin oil it's operating much more freely now - as good as new I reckon!
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Pete BVWS Member |
1st Mar 2021, 9:37 pm | #5 |
Nonode
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Coulsdon, London, UK.
Posts: 2,163
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Re: Very stiff ALPS pot
ALPS may have used a silicone oil because mineral oil makes rubber and some plastics swell up or soften.
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1st Mar 2021, 9:40 pm | #6 |
Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Fife, Scotland, UK.
Posts: 22,867
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Re: Very stiff ALPS pot
But if a silicone lubricant gets anywhere near sliding contacts....
David
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